Hotel Review: Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa, Northumberland

Two miles to the east of the A1 in mid-Northumberland, Doxford Hall sits in the middle of a network of country lanes surrounded by hedge-lined fields and copses with nothing to spoil the view. The nearest village is Beadnell, a ten-minute drive away on the coast, while Alnwick is 15 minutes to the south. Beadnell Bay, one of the coast's prettiest beaches, is a ten-minute drive, while Bamburgh beach, beneath its mighty Norman castle, is ten minutes further.

By car: the drive takes 4 hours from Manchester and 6 hours from London. There is free parking at the hotel.

By train: Chathill station is a 5-minute taxi ride away. Trains from London Kings Cross and Manchester, via Newcastle, take around 4 hours 20 mins. Book trains to Chathill.

The core of the hotel is classic Georgian with deep sash windows and Doric pillars, though subsequent extensions have carefully matched the style. Interiors maintain a country house feel with well-proportioned rooms, decorative cornicing, wood-panelling, a grand hand-carved staircase and light-filled rooms dotted with elegant tables and sofas and framed by lavishly draped sash windows.

No matter how full the hotel is, there feels to be plenty of space for everyone, including a Morning Room, lounge, library, bar and large paved terrace. The grounds include woodland walks and a fun yew maze or you can work out in the gym, take a dip in the pool or relax in the spa. The staff are both professional and friendly.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Library
• Pool
• Spa
• Dog-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Even the so-called 'standard' Classic room is large and elegantly furnished with a carved bedhead, velvet-covered armchairs and soft drapes at windows. Colours are soft and, while much of the furniture is reproduction, it is solid and handsome, and there's a refreshing lack of fussy ornaments.

Room types: Classic Double/Twin, Superior Double, Deluxe Double, Coach House Double, The Suite, The Four Poster, The Executive Bedroom

Key amenities: ensuite bath or shower, toiletries, bathrobe, slippers, tea and coffee facilities, TV

Dinner is smart, beginning in the bar with canapés before moving to a dining room of starched napery and fresh flowers. Classic dishes are given subtle tweaks, such as roast chicken with pancetta gnocchi, and pave of cod with braised fennel. Desserts, in particular, are very prettily presented.

George Runciman Restaurant: 2 AA Rosettes, imaginative British cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner. Mains from £18.95.

Bar & Lounge: bar classics including baked camembert, burgers and doorstep sandwiches. Mains from £18.95.